WBO world super featherweight title – Boxing from Madison Square Garden, New York at 4:00am Sunday 10th December 2017

If you’re a lover of all things boxing, you would have had Sunday 10th December marked in your diary for quite some time now. Madison Square Garden, New York – as it has so often in the past – plays host to a fight that has captured the imagination of sports fans across the board – Lomachenko vs Rigondeaux.

The WBO super featherweight world title may be on the line, but some nights are bigger than belts or prize money, this match is about legacy, and who will claim their place amongst the true greats of the division. Odds compilers, like the rest of us, have been left scratching their heads, meaning there’s plenty of value out there if you can call the winner of this super-fight. Our team attempt to do just that – read on for expert betting tips and predictions.

29-year-old Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko doesn’t look much on paper, nine wins and one defeat, but Hi-Tech has been fast-tracked through the ranks, following a stunning amateur career. To put that into context, he boxed for a WBO International title on his debut, stopping opponent Jose Ramirez, who had 28 fights more experience, in four rounds. Some start. He then lost a split decision in bout two, beaten by Orlando Salido, a man with a record of 41-12-2. Too much, too soon? No chance. Lomachenko won a world title in only his third fight, beating Gary Russel Jnr on points to claim the WBO featherweight crown, and made the strap his own.

Each of Lomachenko’s last six bouts have been sealed inside-the-distance, and he’s favourite in the method of victory market to do the same again here, Betfair’s 8/11 the best price available at the time of writing. It’s worth noting that if you do rate that bet, there’s even money on the Betfair exchange. The points cheer goes as chief support, 9/4 yours when getting involved at Paddy Power. Straight Lomachenko win – 2/9 (William Hill).

Those prices would have you believe that Guillermo Rigondeaux doesn’t have a hope, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The undefeated Cuban may be 37 years old, another who spent the majority of his career in the unpaid ranks, but since turning pro in 2009, he’s put together a pristine record of 17 wins from 17 starts, 11 by KO/TKO. The 5ft 4inch southpaw should’ve enhanced that last time, but had his KO win over Moises Flores ruled a no contest, the knockout punch judged to have landed after the bell.

Rigondeaux stopped James Dickens the start before, the beaten man halted in round two with a broken jaw. That means four of the underdog’s last five, including that no contest, have been settled without the need for scoring judges. El Chacal is 4/1 at Betfred to win the fight, regardless of the method of victory, but there’s a whopping 20/1 on another KO/TKO. 5/1 says he’ll triumph on points, both quotes coming from Betfair.

This is a real pick-em, and it’s what you like here. The power and aggression of Lomachenko, who is also a real classy boxer, vs the sublime skills of Rigondeaux, who can also bang. The bout will have experts and fans debating right up until the final decision, and we think beyond, but it’s time to put our cards on the table – and neck on the chopping board.

I’m having Rigondeaux to suck all the fun out of this one and box his way to a points result. The Cuban’s style means he’ll stay out of trouble, use his speed and ringcraft to build up a lead, and although it’ll look like Lomachenko is making the fight, the cuter work will come from his opponent. 5/1 (Betfair) says we’re right. Fight to go the distance is 5/4 with the same firm.

Top Vasyl Lomachenko v Guillermo Rigondeaux Tip

Fight to go the distance at 5/4 with Betfair

Longer odds tip for the fight

Rigondeaux win on points at 5/1 with Betfair

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